In the Amazon, the chelonian consumption is much more than a simple way to obtain meat or protein; it is also a part of culture. The captive breeding on a commercial basis is essential to oppose poaching and thus prevent the extinction of species. A greater Knowledge of nutritional requirements, regarding to minerals, can serve as a basis to formulate diets for turtles, as alternatives to correct deficiencies of these compounds in the feed provided in captivity. Therefore this study aimed to determine the calcium levels in the initial phase and growth and the relationship between calcium and phosphorus levels in adult phase of muçuãs (Kinosternon scorpioides). In the initial phase and growth the experimental design was fully randomized, with five levels of calcium (4.7, 5.2, 5.7, 6.2 e 6.7%), with phosphorus in 3%, with three repetitions, containing 4 and 2 animals per experimental unit, respectively. In the adult phase, the experimental design was fully randomized in factorial scheme 5x3, five levels of calcium (5.0, 5.7, 6.4, 7.1 e 7.7%) and three levels of Phosphorus (2.6, 3.0, e 3.4 %), with three repetitions containing three animals per experimental unit. The animals were submitted to weighing and biometrics fortnightly. The data were analyzed using regression analysis by response surface. In the initial phase the variation in calcium levels did not influence the variables response, being absorbed and diverted to the strengthening of the bony parts. In the growth phase, the absorbed calcium was destined to corporal development of muçuãs, recommending the levels of 5.7% Calcium (Ca) with 3.0% of Phosphorus (P). Confirmed the Calcium and Phosphorus relation maintaining the best performance at the levels of 1,92 ± 0,26 to 2.08 ± 0,18 Ca:P, it was recommended level of 5,0% Ca e 2,6% P in the adult phase. This study is pioneer to determine levels of minerals in the diet of the species Kinosternon scorpioides bred in captivity, making up necessary more researches to determine others nutritional requirements of these animals, encouraging and enabling its commercial creation.
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